Do All Girl Scout Cookies Have Gluten? What You Need to Know

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Since 2015, the Girl Scouts have offered gluten-free cookie options, but not all varieties are safe for those with dietary restrictions. The answer to "Do all Girl Scout cookies have gluten?" is no, but it is important to know which ones are safe to consume for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Not all Girl Scout cookies contain gluten, with specific certified gluten-free varieties available. Choices and production methods vary by baker and region, so checking local council information is crucial for those with sensitivities. Most traditional cookies do contain wheat-based ingredients.

Key Points

Not All Cookies Contain Gluten: While most classic varieties use wheat flour, the Girl Scouts offer certified gluten-free options such as Toffee-tastic® and Caramel Chocolate Chip.
Availability Varies by Location: Which gluten-free cookies are offered depends on whether your local council contracts with ABC Bakers or Little Brownie Bakers.
Check for Official Certification: Look for the Certified Gluten-Free seal from third-party organizations like NSF or GFCO on the package for assurance.
Exercise Caution with Shared Facilities: Some gluten-free varieties are made in facilities that also handle wheat, so individuals with high sensitivity or celiac disease should check labels carefully for precautionary statements.
Assume Gluten is Present Unless Otherwise Stated: If a cookie is not specifically marketed as certified gluten-free, assume it contains wheat and is not safe for a gluten-free diet.
Homemade Copycats Are an Option: For maximum safety and ingredient control, making homemade, gluten-free versions of your favorite Girl Scout cookies is a viable alternative.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is important to know which Girl Scout cookies are safe to eat. While most classic cookies contain gluten, there are certified gluten-free options available. The specific gluten-free cookies offered can vary depending on your local council's bakery. Always carefully read the labels.

Which Girl Scout Cookies are Certified Gluten-Free?

For the 2025 cookie season, there are two main certified gluten-free Girl Scout cookie varieties:

Caramel Chocolate Chip: These cookies feature caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and sea salt. Some councils get a vegan version from ABC Bakers.
Toffee-tastic®: This cookie is buttery with crunchy toffee bits. When baked by Little Brownie Bakers, it is certified gluten-free by the NSF.

Availability of these cookies varies by local Girl Scout council, so confirm what's available in your area.

Why Does Availability and Ingredients Vary?

Girl Scout cookie differences across regions happen because two licensed bakers, ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers, supply different councils.

Comparing Girl Scout Cookie Bakers

Understanding the differences between the bakers is key for those with allergies:


Feature	ABC Bakers	Little Brownie Bakers
Traditional Cookies	May contain wheat, soy, milk	May contain wheat, soy, milk
Gluten-Free Variety	Caramel Chocolate Chip	Toffee-tastic®
Shared Facility Risks	Typically manufactures in shared facilities, with precautionary labels. Some gluten-free varieties are baked in dedicated facilities.	Manufactures in shared facilities but uses third-party testing for certification of gluten-free varieties.
Vegan Options	Offers several vegan options, including Thin Mints and Lemonades.	Also offers several vegan options, including Thin Mints.
Certification	Some gluten-free items, like Caramel Chocolate Chip, are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).	Toffee-tastic is Certified Gluten-Free by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

The Importance of Certification and Labeling

Certified gluten-free cookies follow strict procedures to minimize cross-contamination. For example, Toffee-tastic from Little Brownie Bakers is made on a line cleaned and tested for gluten before use. ABC Bakers' Caramel Chocolate Chip is made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. Despite this, some packages may have cautionary labels about shared facilities. Highly sensitive individuals should always read the label.

What About Other Cookies?

If a cookie isn't specifically labeled as certified gluten-free, it likely contains gluten. Classic cookies like Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites® (Samoas®), and Trefoils® are made with wheat flour. Vegan options are not necessarily gluten-free. The ingredient list is the best source for ingredient details.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Cookie Purchases Safely

Not all Girl Scout cookies contain gluten, but most do. The organization offers certified gluten-free choices like Caramel Chocolate Chip and Toffee-tastic®, but availability varies by the bakery supplying your local council. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should confirm their local baker and check packaging for the gluten-free certification seal to safely enjoy treats and support the Girl Scouts.

Gluten-Free Alternatives and Precautions

For those who cannot find or prefer not to buy the certified gluten-free options, making homemade copycat recipes allows full control over ingredients and safety. If buying, contact your local council to confirm the baker and available options. Check the Girl Scout website or app for accurate local offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional Thin Mints are not gluten-free as they are made with enriched wheat flour and contain gluten. They are, however, made with vegan ingredients in some regions.

Currently, the certified gluten-free options are Toffee-tastic® and Caramel Chocolate Chip, but their availability depends on which of the two licensed bakers supplies your local council.

You can check the Girl Scouts website using the cookie finder to see which baker serves your area. Alternatively, you can directly check the physical cookie package for the Certified Gluten-Free seal.

The certified gluten-free varieties are made with strict safety protocols and are tested to meet FDA guidelines. However, some are made in facilities that also process wheat, and individuals with severe celiac or high sensitivity should read all labels carefully.

The Girl Scouts first introduced nationally available gluten-free cookies in 2015, featuring Toffee-tastic and a cookie made with oats, chocolate chips, and peanut butter.

No, the two licensed bakers (ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers) have different recipes and cookie lineups. While some cookies are similar, their ingredients and availability vary.

Yes, for dietary concerns, the ingredient list on the physical cookie package is the most reliable source of information. It will detail all ingredients and list any allergen warnings.